The former owner of the Edmonton Oilers is back in hot water in California.
On Monday in Riverside, California, Peter Pocklington, 71, was found guilty of submitting an inaccurate monthly income report to his probation officer.
Court documents obtained by CTV News show the judge’s ruling, and why.
According to documents, in 2011 and 2012, Pocklington was ordered to disclose his monthly income to a probation officer – but he didn’t share details about all the money he was making.
Investigators found Pocklington had millions of dollar worth in unreported income over both of those years – money that was kept in the bank accounts of resource companies he was involved with.
The conviction came after Pocklington was sentenced to six months of house arrest and two years of probation for perjury in 2010.
In court, Pocklington admitted to lying during bankruptcy proceedings – in exchange, charges of bankruptcy fraud were dropped.
This time around, the defence is asking for leniency in Pocklington’s sentence, citing health concerns such as his deteriorating eyesight, and that he is the primary caregiver of his wife Eva, who has a heart condition.
The US Assistant Attorney Chief in Riverside told CTV News he would be making a sentencing argument, but wouldn’t say what he would seek.
Pocklington moved from Edmonton to California more than 10 years ago.
A judge will hear sentencing arguments today, a sentence for submitting an inaccurate monthly income could include jail time.
Calls to Peter Pocklington seeking comment were not returned Thursday.
With files from The Canadian Press and Bill Fortier
